Parishioners supported the detained pastor Bushiri at the ECG church service

The parishioners supported a notorious pastor Shepherd Bushiri, the leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church, who is currently arrested.

According to ECG church spokesman Maynard Manyowa, 25,000 people came to the Sunday service to extend support to Bushiri.

“The church turnout was just as expected with the maximum capacity [being] between 25,000. People are happy, they are joyous, and worshipping,” added Manyowa.

The services in the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church were suspended for a month after three people died during the crush. The incident occurred in December 2018.

On Friday, the Hawks have arrested Shepherd Bushiri and his spouse for fraud, violation of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and money laundering. The couple is to face trial in Pretoria on Monday.